Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5285th meeting, 18 Oct. 2005, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The question concerning Haiti : Report of the Secretary-General on the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2005/631)"]

Expresses its full support for the work of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés; conveys its concern regarding the risk of delays in the electoral process, and underlines international expectations that the first round of national elections should take place in 2005; strongly supports the mission's endeavours to ensure a secure and stable environment in Haiti, which is crucial for the country's progress, and to enable the electoral process to take place; recognizes MINUSTAH's contribution to the restoration and maintenance of the rule of law in the country, and underlines the need for strong and coordinated assistance to enable the reform and restructuring of Haiti's rule of law institutions; reiterates the need for the Transitional Government and MINUSTAH to begin immediately effective implementation of a DDR programme.

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